Saving money is one of those things everyone knows they should do, but actually following through is where things get messy. Between bills, late-night food cravings, and those sneaky sales, it’s easy for your savings goals to get sidelined.
The problem begins when you don’t have a strategy or at least a separate account solely for your goals. And this problem is easy to fix. In fact, you can automate most of it to take even more of the weight and guilt off your shoulders.
Here are five of those powerful strategies.
1. Open a Savings Account
This one should be obvious, but a lot of people keep their savings in the same account they spend from. Having a separate account not only sets your emergency funds apart but also reduces the temptation to give in to impulse buys.
Some banks even offer a round up savings account where the amount is rounded up to the nearest dollar every time you purchase something. And that rounded amount is automatically added to your savings account.
Even if it’s only a few cents, multiply the amount across a year, and suddenly you’ve got a few hundred dollars quietly stashed into your account. It’s quick, automatic, and effective.
2. Automate Regular Transfers
While roundups handle your micro-savings, don’t underestimate the impact of scheduled transfers that you set up. An automatic weekly or monthly deposit from your checking account into savings helps you consistently put money aside before you have the chance to spend it.
Think of it as paying yourself first. Keeping that amount in your checking account will eventually make it disappear, no matter how much you promise yourself to protect it and keep it safe.
3. Split Direct Deposits
If your employer offers direct deposit, take full advantage of it. You can start by splitting your check; allocate a portion straight into your savings account so it never even hits your checking account. If it’s out of sight, it’ll likely be out of mind.
This approach works well if you’re saving for a specific goal, like an emergency fund, a vacation, or even a down payment. Since you never see the money in the account you regularly spend from, you’re less tempted to use it.
4. Use Cashback and Rewards
Cashback cards and loyalty programs aren’t just for free coffee or limited-time discounts. They’re actual opportunities to grow your savings. Instead of treating cashback as some bonus spending money, route it straight into your savings account.
Some apps even let you auto-transfer your cashback earnings, making it a great strategy to grow your balance. It’s like getting paid to hop, then letting those little payments snowball into meaningful savings.
5. Consider High-Yield Savings Accounts
Boosting savings doesn’t just happen when you keep putting in funds. You also need to make your money earn. By moving your savings into a high-yield savings account, you can take advantage of better interest rates without lifting a finger.
Pair it with automated transfers or a round-up feature, and your balance grows both from deposits and compounding interest.
